Refute or support the claim that the male body is both the norm and Essay

Refute or support the claim that the male body is both the norm and ideal body in medical practice - Essay Example Feminism is a controversial topic nowadays. It aims to empower women and gave women equal rights with that of what men have. Their voice in our society plays an important role such that they are given chances to point out their views or perspectives in the topics of their concern. One of the most controversial topics that feminists won't dare give up is the topic that deals with the issue of equality if not the issue of who among the two sexes was advantageous over the other. Of the pertinent issues in this perspective comes the claim that the male body is both the norm and ideal body in medical practice. We define norms as the set of standards that was set before or emanated few years ago, which is then and was still considered as true unless proven wrong or something that has of flawless evidences and have scientific basis. Ideal as we all knew, referred to one thing that is commonly desired by most people in the society. It is also considered as an honest to goodness thing we all ought to have or acquire. The definitions of the two important terminologies in the statement at least made it clear to us what it tries to convey. For me, I definitely refute the claim that the male body is both the norm and ideal body in medical practice. As we all know, the moment we open our eyes when we are still a baby, the kind of system our society have is the patriarchal system. In this system man is the dominant sex or gender. When I say dominant, I mean that man dominated all the aspects and features of the world we live in. by this, it implies that the role of women is secondary with that of men. Medical practices rely mainly on the subject that they are dealing with. Their methods and materials depend on how complex their subject is. Even in medicine the conflict between genders is not exempted. The surgeons tend to identify themselves as good one and very able if they are man due to their capability to do things that they say woman cannot do. This idea or kind of thinking was identified before way back to ancient times until recently that there are growing numbers of female doctor's and nurses in the world. In history, men are the ideal creatures to be the subject of every study. This is due to the kind of system we have, but as we go along and modernized, the role of women in the society is eventually changed. This is mainly due to the fact that there are women who fight and prove the world that they can do more than what others expect them to do or what others think of as their limitations. Today woman's body had also been used in the medical field. As the world modernizes it also opened its coverage to the possibility that a woman's body is also an ideal body to be used in medical practices. The role of history extended to that of practices made in the medical world. Before only man are used in the field as the subject for human study of its anatomy and the processes it undergoes. Also, according to the theory of feminist or feminism, the relationship between biological sexual differences and the way we construct our social aspect of gender, which is a system of variable history, is an advantage to man and a lot more disadvantageous to women. Our culture dictate to us gendered meanings and maintains traditional divisions among genders. This implies that in different fields of practices man generally overpower women not only in strength but also, man and woman compete for the chance to be

International Political Economy Essay Example for Free

International Political Economy Essay International monetary fund (IMF) is an international organization composed currently with around 184 member countries representing almost all the nations in the world with an exception of a few. After the failure of Breton woods it came as a substitute of a regulatory monetary authority. The organization oversees the global financial system by implementing macroeconomics policy and financial policies aimed at stabilizing the economy’s the member nations. The organization was formed with an objective of stabilizing international monetary rates and enhancing economic development among the member states. Similarly International Monetary Fund offers leveraged loans to developing countries to stimulate their economic growth and development. At an extent IMF helps in promoting expansion, and balanced growth of international trade through co-operation with other bodies like World Trade Organization and World Bank. The organization also helps in developing a multilateral system for payment of current transactions. Despite the positive attributes from the organization it has come under severe attack from many experts and organization because of some of their inefficiency of their policies and their ineffectiveness to the targeted programs. Some of the policies used by the organization in trying to address the economic imbalances in developing nations have been ineffective as they have caused adverse effects to the member countries especially third world countries. In certain extent the organization has been used as a tool by the developed nations to propagate political interests of their â€Å"masters† through giving out conditional loans to poor nations and proposing for poor policy changes. The paper analyzes the roles of IMF and its policies and the effectiveness of those policies. Although other policies have used by the organization had positive results others technically contributed to economic underdevelopment in most poor nations. Roles of International Monetary Fund International monetary fund plays various significant roles in the global economy; International monetary fund was established to help member countries improve their economies by providing guidance and monitoring economic development in those nations. IMF is also engaged in ensuring there are sound financial policies formulated and implemented by the member states. Through extensive research and analysis the organization comes along with proposition which help in developing effective financial policies in tandem with country’s existing policies. Sound financial policies proposed by the organization are meant to strengthen the financial system of the global markets and member countries. â€Å"An effective financial system promotes economic growth and reduction of poverty by mobilizing savings and allocating them to productive uses† (World Bank, 2004, p. 72). International monetary fund provides three types of surveillance to member countries. That is bilateral surveillance, regional surveillance, and multilateral surveillance. Bilateral surveillance mostly involves discussions between international monetary fund, and the member country (Axel 2006, p 769-788). To begin the discussions in bilateral surveillance, IMF technocrats usually visit the member nation to collect information, and hold discussions with government officials in that country so as to gather enough information about the area. Apart from government officials, IMF experts also hold discussions with other members in the country such as labor unions and officials from the private sector and civil society. This is to gain more knowledge on the economic status of the country, and assess opportunities and potential threats. After the mission, the IMF staff holds meeting with the authorities to inform them on the findings obtained, risks and outlook. Bilateral surveillance helps identify risks to financial stability and international monetary fund in the member country. IMF uses bilateral surveillance to provide advice to member countries on the need to adjust certain policies. Bilateral surveillance helps IMF complement multilateral surveillance. Multilateral surveillance is important as it helps IMF strengthening its surveillance efforts. It helps IMF detect systemic risks and increase awareness of the risks in member countries. It also helps identify interdependencies in the international economy. Multilateral surveillance helps IMF identify developments in the global economy. It also helps the organization evaluate financial markets, and the outlook. Moreover, multilateral surveillance helps IMF identify changes to policy, and also effects caused by policies on member countries. IMF is working hard to enhance global discussions of economic connections among countries. This is to improve international trade among the countries (Axel 2006, p 769-788). IMF provides regional surveillance to member countries. Regional surveillance helps IMF monitor regional developments, and policies used by supra national authorities. Regional surveillance helps complement bilateral surveillance as it provides information from more than one country. Regional surveillance is important for members of currency unions. This is because policies in important areas of IMF are determined at regional level. In regional monitoring, discussions with country officials are carried out, and the report is represented separately. Formal procedures are used to conduct surveillance and evaluation over the monetary, and exchange rate policies of European nations. International monetary fund has strengthened its policies on monitoring measures so as to help eliminate concerns like vulnerability to balance of payment. These measures help in eliminating external sustainability and currency crisis in many countries and these are some of concerns that have affected many countries. IMF has developed several initiatives to help improve the effectiveness of bilateral trade. For example, the organization has established external vulnerability assessment. It has also developed initiatives to strengthen surveillance in the financial sector. The initiatives used to provide surveillance in the financial sector include a financial sector assessment program, and prevention of wastage of money. Other measures include prevention of terrorism financing, and assessment of offshore financial centre. IMF has also adopted other initiatives to help in improving its efforts. The organization has improved data provision to IMF, and also analyzing surveillance systems in member countries (Axel 2006, p 769-788). IMF helps in ensuring monetary policy in member countries are utilized effectively so as to prevent inflation (Axel 2006, p 769-788). International Monetary fund intervenes in trying to stabilize the exchange rate among member states. After the collapse of the Breton woods the main aim was to regulate the exchange rate of nations in order to avoid financial and economic imbalances IMF in this instance developed policies meant to help stabilize the exchange rate between countries. Mostly the organization favors a floating exchange rate and constant evaluates monitors and give recommendation on the appropriate exchange rate policies. At the same time IMF tries to develop monetary and exchange rate policy proposals in line with the individual countries policies. Exchange rate is critical in determination of a country’s monetary and trade policies. Monetary policy is used by monetary authorities to determine and regulate the circulation of money in the economy thus directly influencing the financial and economic measures to be taken. Determination of interest rates comes from the monetary policies decision taken. Adjustment of the interest rates either by lowering or increasing influence the pattern of the economic growth. Lower interest rates tend to stimulate economic growth and development. In this case monetary policy helps in enhancing economic growth, and stability in a country. IMF gives advices to countries on how to use monetary policy appropriately. Monetary policy is also used to prevent inflation in a country by raising interest rates. Monetary policy is important to member countries as it helps in improving economic status of the countries, and also enhancing development in the country. Countries with pegged exchange rates tend to unfairly compete with others in trade. Another role of International Monetary Fund is provision of loans to member countries. The organization provides loans to member countries experiencing balance of payment problems and economic difficulties. The loans provided by IMF are important to member countries as they help countries improve their international reserves, and pay for import (Axel 2006, p 769-788). The fund also helps countries stabilize currencies, and improve economic situations in the country so as to enhance economic growth in the country by adjusting policies to correct underlying problems. Funds provided by IMF help member countries improve national policies in the countries so as to eliminate problems. This is through restructuring of existing policies or creating new policies. IMF does not provide loans for specific projects in member countries. Member countries are encouraged to borrow from IMF if they have no enough funds to finance projects so as to meet their international payments. That is if the country cannot find enough financing to meet its net international payments and maintaining international buffer. IMF provides loans to member countries having financial problems so as to correct policies in the country, and carry out reforms. Countries are encouraged to use funds from IMF to adjust economic policies in the country so as to overcome economic crisis. This is important as it helps countries correct their financial balance, and improve conditions in the country. The funds enable countries to continue paying for imports, improve their international reserves and stabilize currencies. A member country has to follow the right lending process provided by IMF so as to get loans. IMF loans are provided under an agreement between the country, and IMF. The country provides enough reasons as to why it needs the money, and then economic program is established after the agreement. The program is established by country and IMF and presented to the right people. After the arrangement is approved then, IMF releases the funds in installments as the country continues to implement the program (Axel 2006, p 769-788). International monetary fund has established facilities that are customized to address specific situations of its member countries. Developing countries use different facilities from developed countries to access IMF loans. Low income countries use extended credit facility, and other facilities to borrow loans from IMF. These facilities allow countries to borrow on concession terms. Countries can access non- concessional loans via stand by arrangements, and other facilities that offer such loans. The organization provides emergency assistance to member countries to help them recover from natural disasters and conflicts (Axel 2006, p 769-788). Effectiveness of IMF Policies IMF uses various policies to help member countries improve their situations in the country, enhance economic growth, and financial stability. The policies include structural adjustment policies, financial crisis policies, and poverty reduction policies. Most people have criticized IMF policies for their ineffectiveness. This is because the policies implemented by International monetary organization have worsened economic conditions in member countries rather than improving the prevailing situations. The main role of IMF is to improve economic and financial stability in member countries using the policies named above. So far the IMF policies have not helped eliminate economic crisis in many countries and instead it has been contrary to expectations. The policies have affected developing countries more than developed countries as these countries depend on funds and advice from IMF to improve their economic status. (Robert and Jong-Wha 2002, p 1245-1269). Structural adjustment Policy is a shift of policies implemented by member nation’s mostly poor nations towards those guided and advised by IMF for purposes of qualifying to get financial and economic assistance. Structural adjustment policies have been criticized by scholars and experts as they have been seen as instruments of accelerating poverty and underdevelopment. Political shifts and governance reforms are always expected from the member nations expecting to benefit from the IMF. Most often the policies are in line with the system of governance of the developed nations (custodians of the IMF) which are deemed to be effective and efficient. Free trade and market liberalization is always encouraged by the IMF. Structural policies force countries to slash government spending and encourage privatization which also open up countries to exploitation by foreign investors. Structural adjustment policies have increased the level of poverty in many countries by causing many workers to loose jobs and reduction in income for workers due to free markets as most enterprises are sold to foreign investors who implement â€Å"effective† measures. The policies have given debt payment and economic development priority compared to education and health services. IMF has encouraged developing countries to lower living conditions of their citizens. This has affected provision of services in developing countries much. The policies have lead to shortage of the work force in developing countries as most companies, and health centers cannot afford to hire enough personnel (Ngaire 2002, p 83-100). IMF lending policies are condemned because of the conditionality associated with the policy. IMF forces member countries to adjust economic policies so as to overcome problems that led the countries to borrow funds from IMF. The international monetary lending policies are used to provide loans to member countries. The funds help member countries improve their economic status. International monetary lending policies do not serve member countries well. The policies are not flexible, and countries do not get enough money. The conditionality help IMF know if the country is able to repay the loan given. Developing countries do not get enough loans to finance projects in the country. Shortage of funds in developing countries hinders economic growth and increases poverty. The policy force developing countries cut their spending so as to have enough funds for development projects. The policies are not flexible enough to help developing countries get enough funds. In addition, the funds provided by international monetary fund are not enough to help countries eliminate problems. This prevents control of disasters and crisis in the country (Bird and Rowlands 2002, p 173-186). Conclusion The roles of IMF are very significant and critical in ensuring the stability and economic development of not only the member nations but the entire world in general. However Economic policies implemented by International monetary are not effective as they cause stifle economic growth. The economic policies are made to help developing countries improve economic growth, but they encourage economic stagnation. This is because developing countries cut spending in other sectors to get enough funds. Member countries have to cut spending on health sector, the education sector so as to get funds to adjust economic policies in the country. IMF encourages member countries to follow conditions established be fore accessing loans. The member countries are required to adjust policies in the country to overcome problems that have caused economic crisis in the country. This forces countries to concentrate on adjusting economic policies, but not development projects in those countries. This affects provision of crucial services in health care sectors and education. They also lead to lack of employment in developing countries. This leads to poor economic growth in developing countries (Axel 2004, p 445-464).

Developmental Profile :: Teaching Education

Developmental Profile Developmental Profile for Adolescents Physical Characteristics 1. Concerning boys in this period, in general the penis and scrotum get much larger, hair appears in the axillae and in the pubic area, the voice begins to deepen, and the spurt of height and weight begins. This period, for girls, is a time of rounding out and completing major changes in the secondary sex characteristics. For example, most have begun menstruation and the weight and height gains have slowed down (Babcock, 1967). 2. Puberty is set into action by the increase of the hormone testosterone in males and estrogen in females (Rathus, et al., 1986). 3. The primary sex characteristics enlarge and mature: in males--the testes, prostate gland, penis and seminal vesicles, in females--the ovaries, uterus and vagina (Papalia, et al., 1998). 4. Acne develops in some adolescents, due to the change in hormones, and can last well into adulthood (Edelman, et al., 1994). 5. Toward the end of puberty, menarche in girls and ejaculation in boys signals reproductive potential. Puberty that is early or late can be stressful, although the specifics depend on gender, personality, and culture (Berger, 1998). Intellectual Characteristics 1. According to Piaget, adolescents enter the highest level of cognitive development--formal operations--when they develop the capacity for abstract thought (Papalia, et al., 1998). 2. An adolescent may be adult in his ability to reason and vote, but he's more childish in his attitude toward sex and marriage (Babcock, 1967). 3. Adolescent egocentrism, along with feelings of uniqueness and invincibility, can cloud judgment, as well as make them extraordinarily self-absorbed (Berger, 1998). 4. The specific intellectual advancement of each teenager depends greatly on education. Each culture and each school emphasizes different subjects, values, and modes of thinking, a variation which makes some adolescents much more sophisticated in their thoughts and behavior than others (Berger, 1998). 5. Erickson's Theory of identity vs. identity confusion emerges. This is involves the adolescent determining his/her own sense of self or experience confusion about roles (Edelman, et al., 1994). Socio-Emotional (Behavioral) 1. Some young adolescent girls, more so than boys, are dealing with eating disorders such as Bulimia and Anorexia (Papalia, et al., 1998). 2. Sexual activity rises for a variety of reasons, such as, seeking affection, peer pressure, as a symbol of maturity, spontaneous experimentation, to feel close, and because it feels good (Edelman, et al., 1994). 3. Given the restrictions placed on adolescents, their yearning for independence, and a sex drive heightened by high levels of sex hormones, it is not surprising that many adolescents report frequent conflict with their families (Rathus, et al.

Chinese nurse-client relationship Essay

The Chinese perspective of nursing Nursing is to understand the health status and concerns of a person, to devise interventions with appropriate health knowledge and skills. There are four Chinese characteristics of epistemic concerns. Qing (? ) is emotion. Li (? ) and zhi (? ) means knowing what is good and right in practice through scientific or systematic studies respectively. Xing (? ) is action. The chinese perspective of nurse To nurse, Chinese people generally argree that the role of the nurses is to report their conditions rapidly to doctors. A Confucian principle of hierarchical relationship between doctor and nurses shows that nurses should know their place, defer to their superiors anf know when to call doctors. Solution to chinese implication Some Chinese cultures like belief, value, attitudes and taboos may act as barriers of clients and nurses. It can be tackled by reminding the nurse to be cultural sensitive in caring process. For instances, nurses may consider characteristics of Chinese people. Chinese always avoid the word dead which is a symbol of unauspicious. They can tacit communication approach like euphemism which is indirect words using the end of life. Nurses may apply therapeutic communication strategies: -To be client-focused, problem-oriented and situational based -Classified as supportive-expressive, analytic and consultative -Directive and educationally focused The Chinese culture is conflicts between Chinese culture and health belief of western medicine. To solve it, we nurses acknowledge of culturally specific nature of problem. Another Chinese culture is the tradition perceive problem as family affairs. To solve it, we nurse can build up nurse-client relationship with strong bond of trust by more communication.

Eight Step to Integrity

3/26/2013 Eight Steps toward Integrity The eight steps toward integrity are very important when working in a business in this situation they can be used very wisely. The eight steps are doing what we say we will do: It includes keeping promises and meeting deadlines. Doing the right thing: With the awareness of what’s right comes the obligation of right action. Taking responsibility: Acknowledge our complete, sole responsibility for every one of our actions. Supporting our own weight: This means functioning as a whole, being able to support all the elements of our own lives.Defining the rules and values: Explicit agreement about these basics enables groups of people, from couples to business organizations to nations, to benefit from the integrity of members. Checking the mirror: Is when we err—as we will, again and again—the best response is to pause for reflection obscure the big picture. Respecting others: Invoke integrity in other people by treating them with respect—even when they do not live up to our expectations. Holistic thinking: Since integrity is a quality of wholeness, an appreciation of wholeness in the world supports its practice.Delman and the location managers have many of the eight steps that apply to them in this situation Frist, Doing what they say they will do. Delman and the Manages need to be true to their word. If they are going to tell the government inspector that they provide the food for his department holiday party that exactly what they need to do. There is no need for the team to go back on their word. Second, doing the right thing if the law tells the team that things in the business need to be changed because of the new local health codes that are what Delman and the mangers should do.Doing the right thing is not hard to do it is a person just having the willing heart and mind to do so that’s all it takes. Third, Taking Reasonability that what Delman need to do he has to realize he has to make t he changes in the business and he as the final say so that needs to be done. Delman needs to know that other people and outside events are not the cause of problems. When we see something in the world that we don’t like, we recognize our personal responsibility. Knowing your responsibility in life is good but we still need to know how to respect other and their ideas.Make sure we are doing thing the right way. Delman has to make sure he gets the best from others in an atmosphere that supports doing right. Fifth, Defining the rules and values what are the thing to be done follow them. Delman and the managers have to follow rules to get the government to do what they have to do Delman need to make sure they hold up the end of the stick. Because it is said absent consensus, personal integrity can lead dissenting individuals to subvert the group.Delman needs people sharing the same intentions, by contrast, disagreements can help to refine and improve ideas for the benefit of all. I have chosen five out of the eight steps that I feel that Delman and the Sale Managers need to follow in this situation. Delman and Lei are running a great business some of the things need to be changed just to improve it and make thing correct according to the legal health codes. I feel if they follow the step I have recommended will help them out a lot and make things go smoother and I can say I think well. Eight Step to Integrity 3/26/2013 Eight Steps toward Integrity The eight steps toward integrity are very important when working in a business in this situation they can be used very wisely. The eight steps are doing what we say we will do: It includes keeping promises and meeting deadlines. Doing the right thing: With the awareness of what’s right comes the obligation of right action. Taking responsibility: Acknowledge our complete, sole responsibility for every one of our actions. Supporting our own weight: This means functioning as a whole, being able to support all the elements of our own lives.Defining the rules and values: Explicit agreement about these basics enables groups of people, from couples to business organizations to nations, to benefit from the integrity of members. Checking the mirror: Is when we err—as we will, again and again—the best response is to pause for reflection obscure the big picture. Respecting others: Invoke integrity in other people by treating them with respect—even when they do not live up to our expectations. Holistic thinking: Since integrity is a quality of wholeness, an appreciation of wholeness in the world supports its practice.Delman and the location managers have many of the eight steps that apply to them in this situation Frist, Doing what they say they will do. Delman and the Manages need to be true to their word. If they are going to tell the government inspector that they provide the food for his department holiday party that exactly what they need to do. There is no need for the team to go back on their word. Second, doing the right thing if the law tells the team that things in the business need to be changed because of the new local health codes that are what Delman and the mangers should do.Doing the right thing is not hard to do it is a person just having the willing heart and mind to do so that’s all it takes. Third, Taking Reasonability that what Delman need to do he has to realize he has to make t he changes in the business and he as the final say so that needs to be done. Delman needs to know that other people and outside events are not the cause of problems. When we see something in the world that we don’t like, we recognize our personal responsibility. Knowing your responsibility in life is good but we still need to know how to respect other and their ideas.Make sure we are doing thing the right way. Delman has to make sure he gets the best from others in an atmosphere that supports doing right. Fifth, Defining the rules and values what are the thing to be done follow them. Delman and the managers have to follow rules to get the government to do what they have to do Delman need to make sure they hold up the end of the stick. Because it is said absent consensus, personal integrity can lead dissenting individuals to subvert the group.Delman needs people sharing the same intentions, by contrast, disagreements can help to refine and improve ideas for the benefit of all. I have chosen five out of the eight steps that I feel that Delman and the Sale Managers need to follow in this situation. Delman and Lei are running a great business some of the things need to be changed just to improve it and make thing correct according to the legal health codes. I feel if they follow the step I have recommended will help them out a lot and make things go smoother and I can say I think well.

Free Essays on Police Brutatlity

Police corruption is a complex issue. Police corruption or the abuse of authority by a police officer, acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants, is a growing problem in the United States today. Things such as an Internal Affairs department, a strong leadership organization, and community support are just a few considerations in the prevention of police corruption. An examination of a local newspaper or any police-related publication in an urban city during any given week would most likely have an article about a police officer that got caught committing some kind of corrupt act. Police corruption has increased dramatically with the illegal cocaine trade, with officers acting alone or in-groups to steal money from dealers or distribute cocaine themselves. Large groups of corrupt police have been caught in New York, New Orleans, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, as well as many other cities. Corruption within police departments falls into 2 basic categories, external corrupt ion and internal corruption. In this research project, I will concentrate on external corruption. Recently, external corruption has been given the larger center of attention. I have decided to include the fairly recent accounts of corruption from a few major cities, mainly New York, because that is where I have lived in the past year. I compiled my information from a number of articles written in the New York Times over the last few years. My definitional information and background data came from books that have been written on the issues of police corruption. Those books helped me create a basis of just what the different types of corruption, as well as how and why corruption happens. Corruption in policing is usually viewed as the mistreatment of authority by police officer acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants. For a corrupt act to occur, three distinct elements of police corruption must be present simultaneously: 1) mishandling of authorit... Free Essays on Police Brutatlity Free Essays on Police Brutatlity Police corruption is a complex issue. Police corruption or the abuse of authority by a police officer, acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants, is a growing problem in the United States today. Things such as an Internal Affairs department, a strong leadership organization, and community support are just a few considerations in the prevention of police corruption. An examination of a local newspaper or any police-related publication in an urban city during any given week would most likely have an article about a police officer that got caught committing some kind of corrupt act. Police corruption has increased dramatically with the illegal cocaine trade, with officers acting alone or in-groups to steal money from dealers or distribute cocaine themselves. Large groups of corrupt police have been caught in New York, New Orleans, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, as well as many other cities. Corruption within police departments falls into 2 basic categories, external corrupt ion and internal corruption. In this research project, I will concentrate on external corruption. Recently, external corruption has been given the larger center of attention. I have decided to include the fairly recent accounts of corruption from a few major cities, mainly New York, because that is where I have lived in the past year. I compiled my information from a number of articles written in the New York Times over the last few years. My definitional information and background data came from books that have been written on the issues of police corruption. Those books helped me create a basis of just what the different types of corruption, as well as how and why corruption happens. Corruption in policing is usually viewed as the mistreatment of authority by police officer acting officially to fulfill personal needs or wants. For a corrupt act to occur, three distinct elements of police corruption must be present simultaneously: 1) mishandling of authorit...

Novel Analyses of the Book Fire Bed and Bone. essays

Novel Analyses of the Book Fire Bed and Bone. essays The main character in this story is a female dog that goes by the name "the old bitch". She is yellow and has a soft fur. I think she is smart, psychological, very kind and devoted. She has got eleven puppies but the story just brings up two of them. There are two human beings close to her, Comfort, her mistress and Rufus, her master. They are farmers and have their own farm. Comfort and Rufus have three children whereof Alice is the one most devoted to the old bitch. Among the animals I think that, except of her own children, the male dog Serlo is the most important one. As the story moves on the old bitch evolves from a house pet to a more independent dog, she grows. The story takes place in England during the 14th century during farmer's revolt against cruelty by landlords and the church. It describes the relationship between mother and child, the feelings about giving breed, about separation and about death, both from a human and an animal perspective. It's also about freedom and security. Freedom is represented by wolfs and security by the family. When the story starts they are all live in harmony in spite of their poverty. As the story goes on they all get involve in the revolt against the superiority and the adults can't entirely protect their children. The author Henrietta Branford lived between 1946 and 1999. The first time of her life she lived with her mother and father abroad but she came back to England and joined her father when he was hunting. She married and had three children. She started writing at the age of 40 and specialised on children books. Before that she worked as a political activist and fought hard in the local school community. All her life she was fighting for children's ability of courage that she had very much at heart. And she loved animals. Both of these things colour her authorship. During her short time of writing books she got several prices and one of them was for the book Fire, bed and...

Second-Person Pronouns - Definition and Examples

Seconds Pronouns used when a speaker addresses one or more individuals. In contemporary standard English, these are the second-person pronouns: you (singular and plural personal pronoun)yours (singular and plural possessive pronoun)yourself and yourselves (singular and plural reflexive/intensive pronouns) In addition, your is the second-person possessive determiner. As discussed below, other second-person pronouns (such as thee, thou, and ye) have been used in the past, and some (such as yall and yous[e]) are still used today in certain dialects of English. Examples: You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.  (Christian Bale as Batman in The Dark Knight, 2008)Do you know whats waiting beyond that beach? Immortality! Take it! Its yours! (Brad Pitt as Achilles in Troy, 2004)The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. Its a good non-specific symptom... What you do is, you fake a stomach cramp, and when youre bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. Its a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school.  (Matthew Broderick as Ferris in Ferris Buellers Day Off, 1986)Laila came over here to braid yalls hair, but left cause yall wasnt here.  (Jesmyn Ward, Where the Line Bleeds. Agate Bolden, 2008)I hope the good white people round here kill all yall off.  (Ernest J. Gaines, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, 1971)But I need to ask you guys a big favor.Ask and you shall receive, my son, said Tradd.  (Pat Conroy, The Lords of Discipline, 1980(Be off, Im tellin yous, your selves an your pound on demand! (Sean OCasey, Five Irish Plays, 1935) Drive thy business, or it will drive thee.  (Benjamin Franklin)Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.  (John 15: 16, The King James Bible, 1611)Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee to inherit.  (Deuteronomy, 19:3, The King James Bible, 1611)O world, I cannot hold thee close enough!Thy winds, thy wide grey skies!Thy mists, that roll and rise!Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sagAnd all but cry with colour! That gaunt cragTo crush!   To lift the lean of that black bluff!World, World, I cannot get thee close enough!(Edna St. Vincent Millay, Gods World. Renascence and Other Poems, 1917) Observations: [R]esearch has found that the inclusion of second-person pronouns in a message increases peoples motivation to attend to a message (Burnkrant Unnava, 1989).​(David R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, What Is the Role of Rhetorical Questions in Persuasion? Communication and Emotion: Essays in Honor of Dolf Zillmann, ed. by Jennings Bryant et al. Lawrence Erlbaum, 2003) Thou and Ye Forms As early as the late thirteenth century, the second person plural forms (ye, you, your) began to be used with singular meaning in circumstances of politeness or formality, leaving the singular forms (thou, thee, thy/thine) for intimate, familiar use. In imitation of the French use of vous and tu, the English historically plural y-forms were used in addressing a superior, whether by virtue of social status or age and in upper-class circles among equals, though high-born lovers might slip into the th-forms in situations of intimacy. The th-forms were also used by older to younger and by socially superior to socially inferior.  (John Algeo and Thomas Payne, The Origin and Development of the English Language, 5th ed. Thomson Wadsworth, 2005) Ye and You In early Middle English, ye was used in subject position, and it marked plurality, whilst you was used in object position, also marking plurality... Singularity was marked by thee and thou. In the fourteenth century, this system began to change, and you began to be used in subject position, as today. As you usage increased over the fifteenth century, ye and you began to lose their function of marking plurality, and by the end of the period they were used for both singular and plural referents, in both subject and object position.  (Peter Brown, A Companion to Medieval English Literature and Culture C.1350 - C.1500. Blackwell, 2007)    Thou and You Thou ... had in Old English been used when addressing only one person, and you when addressing more. By the sixteenth century, this had changed; the difference was social, with thou expressing intimacy or possibly condescension, while you was chillier or more respectful. The distinction disappeared in the seventeenth century from written English, and from most spoken English also, though one may still hear it in Yorkshireit is memorably frequent in Barry Hiness novel A Kestrel for a Knave, set in 1960s Barnsley. By contrast, other languages in Western Europe continue to draw such a distinction: in some, notably French, it is important, while in others, such as Spanish and Swedish, the formal address is now not much used. Todays yous, widely heard in Ireland, and youse, heard on Merseyside and in Australia, revive and make explicit the difference between the plural you and the singular. So, too, does the American yall.  (Henry Hitchings, The Language Wars. John Murray, 2011) Plurals: Yall, Yalls, All yalls and You Guys Since you was now both singular and plural, how could you make clear that you were speaking to more than one?In the United States, the best the North can do is the casual you guys. But the South has found a comfortable solution: yall...Clear evidence that yall is one word instead of two is the possessive form yalls. For example, Mamos Garlic Sauce of Austin, Texas, posts on its website a collection of Yalls Recipes ...Some Southerners dont accept the explanation that yall is the plural of you. They insist that yall is just another way of saying you, with either singular or plural meaning. They contend that to make a plural, you must say all yall...But for now many Southerners still would reject the notion that yall can be properly applied to only one person.  (Allan A. Metcalf, How We Talk: American Regional English Today. Houghton Mifflin, 2000) A Users Guide to Yall Let me offer a quick user’s guide to y’all, because there’s a lot of bad information floating around on the internet. It’s a contraction of you all, obviously, a phrase with the same structure and purpose as the British you lot. The southern iteration is naturally disposed to being contracted, although people do use the expanded you all. In general, it seems you all is more likely to be the object, while y’all is the subject, although rhythm is probably the most important factor. Another iteration is all y’all, which is used to encompass an entire group in situations where, because the group has natural subsets, ambiguity might otherwise emerge.No matter what you might have heard, y’all should not be used as a singular. (E.G. Austin, Y’all Hear This. The Economist, Sep. 19, 2011)

How are Meat-Based Recipes Adapted for Vegetarians Research Paper

How are Meat-Based Recipes Adapted for Vegetarians - Research Paper Example However, upon heating, this bond is broken and proteins break down into amino acids and react with other chemicals. The difference in flavors between the original and the adapted recipes for vegetarians is noticeable, which is explained by Maillard reactions in the following way. In the Maillard reactions, the amino acids can come from any proteins and the sugars from any carbohydrates. In the first stage of the reactions, the proteins and carbohydrates are degraded into smaller sugars and amino acids. Next the sugar rings open and the resulting aldehydes and acids react with the amino acids to produce a wide range of chemicals. These new molecules then react amongst themselves to produce the main flavor compounds. Consider the adaptation of the chicken-stock recipe for vegetarians. The most apparent feature of chicken stock is â€Å"the unctuous texture that comes from glycerin, a protein found largely in bones.† The same effect can be achieved by roasting vegetables in olive oil first and then adding water. As oil is not soluble in water, therefore, the oil molecules will appear as droplets on the surface of the vegetable stock, similar to that of chicken stock. Take another example of adapting the recipe of beef-burger for vegetarians. As beef naturally contains fat, therefore, it is easy to shape minced beef into a burger patty. However, minced vegetables must rely on a binding agent like an egg to take the form of a patty. In this case, beaten eggs also act as an alternate source of proteins in the adapted recipe.

Same Sex Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Same Sex Marriage - Essay Example Analogous to other civil rights movements, a shift in societal norms calls to question the laws of the land, in this case the notion of marriage in legal terms. There is no denying the fact that marriage is an institution traditionally reserved for the heterosexual couples. Given the traditional legal definition of marriage, same sex couples face certain challenges. Same sex marriage is a controversial issue with staunch opposition due to deeply entrenched religious and patriarchal opinions. Those in favor of same-sex marriage have a lot at stake on this particular issue, as many financial and legal benefits are bestowed upon married couples. Pragmatically speaking, marriage ought to be an institution that allows two loving people to legally fulfill their commitment towards each other regardless of their sexual orientation. Thus, legalizing same sex marriage is beneficial not only to the individuals involved, but to the society at large. While it is the belief of many that allowing s ame-sex marriage is legalizing a practice that is against the standard of norms of the society, the truth of the matter is that same sex marriage provides an opportunity for individuals to live a fulfilling life, devoid of psychological and emotional trauma (Polikoff, 101). This does not only benefit the homosexual individuals, but the whole society, considering that such individuals will live a healthy life, which will in turn reduce the costs involved in sustaining or rehabilitating the health of such individuals whenever they suffer from stress, depression and other psychological and mental disorders, arising from their discomfort and the prejudice they face in the current society (Guillen, n.p.). There is an agreement on certain aspect of the argument against homosexual marriage, the most important being the argument that same sex marriage poses a threat of human extinction, considering that when a marriage does not produce children, then, there is the danger of the shortage or lack of a new generation to take up the responsibility of running the world (Guillen, n.p.). Nevertheless, some of the arguments against same sex marriage are just refutable, owing to the fact that they are mostly aligned towards favoring one sectional attitude of the society. The argument that same sex marriage poses the danger of human extinction is not plausible, considering that legalizing same sex marriage does not amount to making it mandatory. Therefore, individuals with a heterosexual orientation will continue with procreation, while those who do not have the prospective for having children can still be comfortable in the society (Polikoff, 104). Additionally, the recognition of same sex marriage will work towards establishing a society of equal values, where the rights of all individuals are respected, and especially the rights of the minority groups. Through the recognition and legalization of same sex m

Future Employment and Graduate Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Future Employment and Graduate Studies - Essay Example Contact Information (address, phone #, website, email): Reply to advertisement at http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=JHV7YS6WRQRM5GPSH97&sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&IPath=JRKV0C Our trans-disciplinary teams in Early Childhood Services provide treatment and support to over 1,000 families each year through our community and home-based services. Trans-disciplinary teams may include Educators, Social Workers, Nurses and Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapists   Job Description: evaluation and monitoring of children to determine physical and mental development. These professionals document activities and record information, track progress and formulate individual therapy plans. Child development specialists also work with a child’s parents to evaluate their ability to carry out the therapy plan. They may interact with parents one-on-one or in group settings. Providing counseling and bringing groups of parents together for mutual emotional support are important aspects of the child development specialist’s job. Contact Information (address, phone #, website, email): reply to advertisement at http://careers.nyp.org/new-york-jobs/Child-Life-Specialist-Masters/709363?nt=1&bid=&utm_source=Simply-Hired&utm_medium=SEM/PPC&utm_content=NY-70855&utm_campaign=Professional-Management Work with families and/or children. Employers include cooperative extension; non-profit and private agencies; faith-based organizations; consumer and business agencies and organizations; and federal, state, and local government. Program focus in Child & Family Studies or in closely related fields such as s in social work, counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Name of Program and Focus: Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Education. Guides students to extend their pursuit of excellence as teachers of young

An Opinion towards the Ideal Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

An Opinion towards the Ideal Government - Essay Example The essay "An Opinion towards the Ideal Government" describes what the ideal government could be since the success or the defeat of a nation depends on how it is being governed. Though there is no specific pattern or a proven theory as to what political structure is the skeleton of an ideal government. An ideal government would somewhat be patterned to the Democratic Socialism political structure. It would be more of getting the better aspects of the 2 political structures with the aim that the principles of the 2 would be intertwined to attain the success of one. The people in the community will have their share of freedom and restrictions. As justified by the golden rule, it is only the means which is good and therefore virtuous. If a particular community will be given too much freedom, there are tendencies that the government will be exploited and mocked. On the contrary, when a government becomes too authoritarian, it will lose the respect of the community because of the restrict ions that are being imposed. State and economy are entities perceived to be better off separated. Monopoly in the government should be avoided. This will ensure not just the stability of the state and the economy as different entities but of the government as a whole. Friedman and Friedman expressed that, â€Å"The relation between political and economic freedom is complex and by no means unilateral†. If both divisions are being governed by one branch of governance, there is a great possibility that monopoly will occur.

Manifest Destiny Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Manifest Destiny - Research Paper Example Native American tribes in the Southern colonies felt continued pressure from white expansionism, as whites continued to flood South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi in order to expand their highly lucrative commercial agriculture. With the founding of the United States in 1776, whites in North America began to develop a new sense of self and constructed a new identity that placed increasing emphasis on the superiority of whites over Native Americans. This developing sense of identity eventually coalesced in the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the belief that Americans had a divine directive and natural right to possess all land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. In 1839, John L. Sullivan argued that America was to be the new temple of God on Earth, a Tabernacle with the soil for its floor and the skies themselves as its ceiling. American politicians and intellectuals used the language of Christianity and divine Providence to justify any actions that had to be taken in t he name of American expansion throughout North America (Sullivan, 1968, p.19). Thomas Paine, one of America's Founding right to aggressive nationalism was becoming inevitable. ... right to aggressive nationalism was becoming inevitable. Billington and Ridge (1982), indicated that "the true story of the occupation of North America is the story of a conquest, not of an uncontested march westward of Anglo-American frontiersmen" (p.18). This paper aims to analyze the historical phenomenon of Manifest Destiny, transformation of its ideology, its justifications and significance. MANIFEST IDENTITY AND PROVIDENCE As the Americans began to extend their territorial holdings in North America, Americans began to search for a rhetoric of justification for the expansion. The American justification for expansion included: the special mission of Providence, faux scientific laws of race and national development, national right, social duty, national defense and the extension of freedom (Weinberg, 1935, p.2). Among these, the special mission of Providence, and a belief the God was leading the United States to claim more and more land played a particularly important role in the development of expansionist ideology. National mission means that a Higher Power has created a special "destiny higher than [the nation's] own security and well-being", and as such, mere economic or security issues cannot provide the only justification for claiming land on the continent (Rossiter, 1971, p.44). Not only were the Americans fulfilling a special mission from God, the Americans also believed they were worshiping God t hrough their expansion. John L. Sullivan (1968) wrote in 1839, "The boundless future will be the era of American greatness. In its magnificent domain of space and time, the nation of many nations is destined to manifest to mankind the excellence of divine principles; to establish on earth the noblest temple ever

An Opinion towards the Ideal Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

An Opinion towards the Ideal Government - Essay Example The essay "An Opinion towards the Ideal Government" describes what the ideal government could be since the success or the defeat of a nation depends on how it is being governed. Though there is no specific pattern or a proven theory as to what political structure is the skeleton of an ideal government. An ideal government would somewhat be patterned to the Democratic Socialism political structure. It would be more of getting the better aspects of the 2 political structures with the aim that the principles of the 2 would be intertwined to attain the success of one. The people in the community will have their share of freedom and restrictions. As justified by the golden rule, it is only the means which is good and therefore virtuous. If a particular community will be given too much freedom, there are tendencies that the government will be exploited and mocked. On the contrary, when a government becomes too authoritarian, it will lose the respect of the community because of the restrict ions that are being imposed. State and economy are entities perceived to be better off separated. Monopoly in the government should be avoided. This will ensure not just the stability of the state and the economy as different entities but of the government as a whole. Friedman and Friedman expressed that, â€Å"The relation between political and economic freedom is complex and by no means unilateral†. If both divisions are being governed by one branch of governance, there is a great possibility that monopoly will occur.

Financial and Investment Opportunity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Financial and Investment Opportunity - Essay Example When assessing investment suitability, most advisers and investment managers take into consideration customer’s attitude to risk, but they fail to account appropriately for their capacity for loss. Therefore, this calls for financial consultants to assess the clients’ attitude towards risks during the evaluation of investments process using the most suitable tools. Discussion While assessing the individual’s attitude towards risks, the use of gender, age, parental background and even height is used to measure the willingness to take risks in general (Newell, Chan & Goodridge 2011, p 210-19). To better understand the attitude to risk by investors, data from previous research as well as field experiment, are used to assess these attitudes. The previous review is done in order to know the gaps to be filled while determining the attitudes towards risks. A random sample of clients that come to the bank as well as online banking clients are requested to fill in questionnaires. In this quest, to fill gaps, there are things that need to be taken in to consideration as the process of assessment is taking place. According to Mowbray (2011), gaps are bridged by focusing on some key themes such as the risk that a client is willing and able to tolerate, the client’s capacity for loss and identifying clients who are neither willing nor able to accept the risk of loss. Apart from that, the client’s requirements must be considered, and this involves collecting of information that includes the client’s investment knowledge, risk tolerance, investment horizon and the capacity to make regular contributions and meet extra collateral requirements where appropriate. Thereafter, every client’s information should be documented and appropriately updated on a continuous basis. In case a client does not give full information, it does not mean that the advisor cannot assess the client’s attitude towards risk. If the same advisor is not able to make the assessment, an explanation has to be made to the client on the limitation of assessment due to lack of information or the assumptions made in relation to advice given. After having the information of various clients, a hierarchy is developed to clarify their needs and the firm’s products. The upper levels of the hierarchy are solved to give a weighting scheme that determines the relative importance of each factor while determining the applicable portfolio. The lowest level of the hierarchy evaluates assets to give a portfolio applicable for a single investor’s problem (Bolster, Janjigia & Trahan, 1995). The most suitable portfolio is chosen by combining the local weights deri ved for every asset and weights given by the higher levels of the hierarchy (Saaty, 1980). The figure 1 below explains the hierarchy of needs and its possible matching products. Investment opportunities There are different types of investments and each work differently. The most common list of investments usually includes ISA, shares, unit trusts, property and shares and much more. This section describes the opportunities as well as giving advice to the clients while choosing investment that best suits their finances and other needs. The firm, as an investment bank, seeks to assist clients in raising capital by acting as the client’s agent in the securities issuance. The firm, also, can manage mergers and acquisitions for companies as well as provide subsidiary services, for example, derivatives trading, instruments of fixed income, foreign exchange, commodities equity securities and market making. Figure 1: Analytical Hierarchy

Nintendo History Essay Example for Free

Nintendo History Essay Nintendo was founded in 1889. It was a poker card workshop. But now it’s Japans most famous game production company. Its production of electronic games are popular all around the world. Nintendo is the NO.1 of the worlds video game companies. With only 850 staffs, Nintendo used to beat such super enterprises as Toyota occasionally, thus becoming Japanese first profit-making company. Nintendo spells â€Å"Wii† with two lower-case â€Å"I† characters means: To resemble two people standing side by side, representing players gathering together. Wii sounds like we, which emphasizes that the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. The Nintendo Wii is the 7th generation video game console of the Nintendo series. It plays Nintendo video games via discs, and detects movement in three dimensions. The Wii is meant to stimulate interactivity and movement among its users, so that they play games and get exercise simultaneously. The primary wireless controller, the Wii remote, is a handheld pointing device which makes the on-screen player mimic the movements of the person possessing the Wii remote. Nintendo production of electronic games In 1983ï ¼Å¡NES In 1989ï ¼Å¡Game Boy In 1990ï ¼Å¡Super Famicom In 1996ï ¼Å¡Nintendo64 In 2001ï ¼Å¡Game Boy Advance In 2001ï ¼Å¡GameCube In 2004ï ¼Å¡Nintendo DS In 2006ï ¼Å¡Wii In 2012ï ¼Å¡Wii U http://game.people.com.cn/n/2012/1120/c49419-19633647-4.htmlhttp://blog.eio.com/2012/07/21/an-introduction-to-the-nintendo-wii/ 1. Was Nintendo just lucky, or does the Wii’s success have strategic merit? Nintendos strategy was very clear and clever. It thought that it could not survive in the competition with Microsofts Xbox and Sonys Play Station 3. So, Nintendo do not try to compete to the competitor rather than it tried to rebuild the gaming system. Without concerning the more advanced technology, it tried to do more using less investment. They realized that they couldn’t make a better product, so by changing the way in which the product is used they created a whole new market at their control. By changing their focus away from the game but the experience Nintendo created a unique strategy that is now synonymous with their name. Nintendo developed the Wii with a very specific design and marketing strategy in place. So, Nintendos strategy was so resourceful and it worked like magic mix strategy.Their success with the Wii really stems from two sources. First, they have gained substantial market share with previously untapped demographics (elderly, smallchildren, and families) . Second, because they have eliminated many of the additional costs and features of the more advanced game systems, they have been able to better compete based on price.Even while they were struggling, Nintendo maintained a strong brand within the gaming industry. Marketing Strategies of Nintendo are through the product, pricing, promotion, and place. With the product, Nintendo redesigned the controller to make it easier and more nature to play games,e.g motion sensitivity, IR sensors. Nintendo keep price at $250.00 while XBOX and PS3 over $350.00. Wii games cheaper $10.00 than XBOX and PS3. It offering various accessories to generate revenue. Ninendo promotion through mass selling, uses intermediary (GameStop, hypermarket, mall), uses both push or pull techniques. Pushing is used by advertising through commercials, ads, circulars, magazines, and internet.Pulling is demonstrated by keeping on-hand inventory low leaving customers returning to check availability.Nintendo has included a free game with eachWii unit, other systems, they increase the price by $20-50. they offer the Nintendo WiFi connection. This allows you to play certain online games against friends and others. Nintendoapos;s WiFi connection is free and offers many nice updates. Ab out the place, Nintendo has distribution centers around the world. Each distributing the regions version of Nintendo’s systems or games. In the United States there are 2 distribution centers, that are Redmond, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia. Retailers get their inventory directly from Nintendo.Businesses are gaining approximately $10 per unit sold; however, they make their money through game and accessory sales. 2) In which stage of the product life cycle is theWii? Based on that stage, is Nintendo employing good marketing mix strategies? The sales of Nintendo keep increasing and last sales not significant. The stages is growh- early maturity. If a product is accepted by the marketplace, it enters the growth stage of the product life cycle. The growth stage is characterized by increasing sales, more competitors, and higher profits. Unfortunately for the firm, the growth stage attracts competitors who enter the market very quickly. For example, when Diet Coke experienced great success, Pepsi soon entered with Diet Pepsi. You’ll notice that both Coca-Cola and Pepsi have similar competitive offerings in the beverage industry, including their own brands of bottled water, juice, and sports drinks. As additional customers begin to buy the product, manufacturers must ensure that the product remains available to customers or run the risk of them buying competitors’ offerings. For example, the producers of video game systems such as Nintendo’s Wii could not keep up with consumer demand when the product was first launched. Consequently, some consumers purchased competing game systems such as Microsoft’s Xbox. A company sometimes increases its promotional spending on a product during its growth stage. However, instead of encouraging consumers to try the product, the promotions often focus on the specific benefits the product offers and its value relative to competitive offerings. In other words, although the company must still inform and educate customers, it must counter the competition. Emphasizing the advantages of the product’s brand name can help a company maintain its sales in the face of competition. Although different organizations produce personal computers, a highly recognized brand such as IBM strengthens a firm’s advantage when competitors enter the market. New offerings that utilize the same successful brand name as a company’s already existing offerings, which is what Black Decker does with some of its products, can give a company a competitive advantage. Companies typically begin to make a profit during the growth stage because more units are being sold and more revenue is generated. The number of distribution outlets (stores and dealers) utilized to sell the product can also increase during the growth stage as a company tries to reach as much of the marketplace as possible. Expanding a product’s distribution and increasing its production to ensure its availability at different outlets usually results in a product’s costs remaining high during the growth stage. The price of the product itself typically remains at about the same level during the growth stage, although some companies reduce their prices slightly to attract additional buyers and meet the competitors’ prices. Companies hope by increasing their sales, they also improve their profits. The Maturity Stage After many competitors enter the market and the number of potential new customers declines, the sales of a product typically begin to level off. This indicates that a product has entered the maturity stage of its life cycle. Most consumer products are in the mature stage of their life cycle; their buyers are repeat purchasers versus new customers. Intense competition causes profits to fall until only the strongest players remain. The maturity stage lasts longer than other stages. Quaker Oats and Ivory Soap are products in the maturity stage—they have been on the market for over one hundred years. Given the competitive environment in the maturity stage, many products are promoted heavily to consumers by stronger competitors. The strategies used to promote the products often focus on value and benefits that give the offering a competitive advantage. The promotions aimed at a company’s distributors may also increase during the mature stage. Companies may decrease the price of mature products to counter the competition. However, they must be careful not to get into â€Å"price wars† with their competitors and destroy all the profit potential of their markets, threatening a firm’s survival. Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have engaged in several price wars with regard to their microprocessors. Likewise, Samsung added features and lowered the price on its Instinct mobile phone, engaging in a price war with Apple’s iPhone. With the weakened economy, many online retailers engaged in price wars during the 2008 holiday season by cutting prices on their products and shipping costs. Although large organizations such as Amazon.com can absorb shipping costs, price wars often hurt smaller retailers. Many retailers learned from their mistakes and ordered less inventory for the 2009 holiday season. Companies are challenged to develop strategies to extend the maturity stage of their products so they remain competitive. Many firms do so by modifying their target markets, their offerings, or their marketing strategies. Next, we look at each of these strategies. Modifying the target market helps a company attract different customers by seeking new users, going after different market segments, or finding new uses for a product in order to attract additional customers. Financial inst itutions and automobile dealers realized that women have increased buying power and now market to them. With the growth in the number of online shoppers, more organizations sell their products and services through the Internet. Entering new markets provides companies an opportunity to extend the product life cycles of their different offerings. Many companies enter different geographic markets or international markets as a strategy to get new users. A product that might be in the mature stage in one country might be in the introductory stage in another market. For example, when the U.S. market became saturated, McDonald’s began opening restaurants in foreign markets. Cell phones were very popular in Asia before they were introduced in the United States. Many cell phones in Asia are being used to scan coupons and to charge purchases. However, the market in the United States might not be ready for that type of technology. Modifying the product, such as changing its packaging, size, flavors, colors, or quality can also extend the product’s maturity stage. The 100 Calorie Packs created by Nabisco provide an example of how a company changed the packaging and size to provide convenience and one-hundred-calorie portions for consumers. While the sales of many packaged foods fell, the sales of the 100 Calorie Packs increased to over $200 million, prompting Nabisco to repackage more products. [5]Kraft Foods extended the mature stage of different crackers such as Wheat Thins and Triscuits by creating different flavors. Although not popular with consumers, many companies downsize (or decrease) the package sizes of their products or the amount of the product in the packages to save money and keep prices from rising too much. Car manufacturers modify their vehicles slightly each year to offer new styles and new safety features. Every three to five years, automobile manufacturers do more extensive modifications. Changing the package or adding variations or features are common ways to extend the mature stage of the life cycle. Pepsi recently changed the design and packaging of its soft drinks and Tropicana juice products. However, consumers thought the new juice package looked like a less expensive brand, which made the quality of the product look poorer. As a result, Pepsi resumed the use of the original Tropicana carton. Pepsi’s redesigned soda cans also received negative consumer reviews. Tropicana’s New Packaging Tropicana’s new (and now abandoned) packaging look didn’t compare well with the â€Å"orange and the straw† but is still used on the lower-calorie Tropicana. When introducing products to international markets, firms must decide if the product can be standardized (kept the same) or how much, if any,adaptation, or changing, of the product to meet the needs of the local culture is necessary. Although it is much less expensive to standardize products and promotional strategies, cultural and environmental differences usually require some adaptation. Product colors and packages as well as product names must often be changed because of cultural differences. For example, in many Asian and European countries, Coca-Cola’s diet drinks are called â€Å"light,† not diet. GE makes smaller appliances such as washers and dryers for the Japanese market. Hyundai Motor Company had to improve the quality of its automobiles in order to compete in the U.S. market. Compan ies must also examine the external environment in foreign markets since the regulations, competition, and economic conditions vary as well as the cultures. Figure 7.15 Some companies modify the marketing strategy for one or more marketing variables of their products. For example, many coffee shops and fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s now offer specialty coffee that competes with Starbucks. As a result, Starbucks’ managers a decided it was time to change the company’s strategy. Over the years, Starbucks had added lunch offerings and moved away from grinding coffee in the stores to provide faster service for its customers. However, customers missed the coffee shop atmosphere and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and didn’t like the smell of all the lunch items. As a result of falling market share, Starbucks’ former CEO and founder Howard Schultz returned to the company. Schultz hired consultants to determine how to modify the firm’s offering and extend the maturity stage of their life cycle. Subsequently, Starbucks changed the atmosphere of many of its stores back to that of traditional coffee shops, modified its lunch offerings in many stores, and resumed grinding coffee in stores to provide the aroma customers missed. The company also modified some of its offerings to provide health-conscious consumers lower-calorie alternatives. [6] After the U.S. economy weakened in 2009, Starbucks announced it would begin selling instant coffee for about a dollar a cup to appeal to customers who were struggling financially but still wanted a special cup of coffee. The firm also changed its communication with customers by utilizing more interactive media such as blogs. Whereas Starbucks might have overexpanded, McDonald’s plans to add fourteen thousand coffee bars to selected stores. [7] In addition to the coffee bars, many McDonald’s stores are remodeling their interiors to feature flat screen televisions, recessed lighting, and wireless Internet access. Other McDonald’s restaurants kept their original design, which customers still like. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Assignment-Case-Study-Of-Nintendo-878245.html http://www.papercamp.com/essay/46271/Nintendo-Case ï‚ · http://www.xbitlabs.com http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/bookhub/2030?e=fwk-133234-ch07_s02

Cost Management in Construction

Cost Management in Construction Client expect from the project manager to manage costs in a precise and responsive approach. It is essential, during the design progress, the project manager to have the ability to supervise a projects scope and costs. Budget control is a requirement for a successful project. For a successful budget control variances must be identified and informed actions must be taken at main design milestones. In order to ensure the client that the project will be on budget and on time, meeting the owners objectives, an efficient cost management and budget control program must be established from the conceptual phase to the bid phase. Cost management and control budget, during the design phase, is not a difficult goal but is a worthwhile goal. It is important because changes because it is easier, during the design phase, to accommodate changes and the cost of such modifications is lower compared to later phases. In order to achieve an effective cost management and budget control an organized metho dology and approach must be established. Furthermore, team members must understand their roles and responsibilities, and good estimating techniques must be used (Sundaram, 2008). The first typical objective of design phase cost management is to estimate a sufficient and accurate budget. The second objective is to ensure that bids are in budget. Then make sure alignment of budget, scope and owners requirements. The last typical objective is to reduce risks because of cost overruns. During the design phase, all the design team members must show a cost conscious approach. All members of the design team must use cost control, as a design tool, to reduce the risks of cost overruns (Sundaram, 2008). In order to approach an effective cost management design, team members must demonstrate a strong commitment to the project budget and target costs. A cost model must be established for the cost estimate in aid of managing the cost effectively and tracked easily variances to support decision-making (Sundaram, 2008). Requirements must be manage in order to balance requirements with owners affordability. Scope creeps must be monitored and controlled (Macaluso J., et al, 2004).Cost drivers must be considered in aid of establishing product specifications. Cost must be considered, during development, as an essential design parameter (Crow, 2000). Exploration of design alternatives to develop lower cost design approaches. Value engineering and value analysis must be used in order to improve product value at minimised cost (Crow, 2000). Use of constructability review in order to ensure, that the project will be finished in realistic, programmed cost parameters. Finally, documentation of revi ew meetings discussions and confirmations of design decisions must be done (Sundaram, 2008). The above mentioned objectives and approaches of cost management in design phase will result the following benefits. More precise estimates would be achieved and they have as a result to improve business decisions. Budget cost control would be improved. Change control would be improved and there will be less likelihood of unplanned scope creep. Finally it will improve the timely identification of problem areas (Sundaram, 2008). Methodology of budget control In a phased plan development with design milestones, the estimated cost is organized at each milestone. Furthermore, the cost is reconciled with budget at each milestone (Figure 1). The budget for the project is refined all the way through the different design phases. All elements of the budget must be plainly defined, captured and developed during each phase (Sundaram, 2008). According to Sundaram (2008) the recommended steps for a successful budget control are the following. First, the project scope and the project baselines details must be understand. At every design stage, schematic, design development and construction document phase must be prepared an updated estimate and track the updated estimate against the previous stage budget for any variations. In order to get the project back on track budget/scope alignment must be checked. The variances or scope creep must be identified and make right trade-offs between scope, quality and scope to contain the project on budget. A confirmation must be done that the differences among previous and current design costs are reconciled, in order to ensure that needless changes and costs have not take place, before proceeding to the next stage until the final stage. (Sundaram, 2008). Roles/Responsibilities of the architect, the estimator, owners and stakeholders for effective cost management and budget control Furthermore, for effective cost management and budget control, it is necessary that the estimator and the architect understand their roles and responsibilities (Sundaram, 2008). The role of the contractors estimator is vital to the success of the organization. The estimator is responsible for predicting the most economic costs for construction in a way that is both clear and consistent. Although an estimator will have a feel for the prices in the marketplace, it is the responsibility of management to add an amount for general overheads, assess the risks and turn the estimate into a tender (Brook, 2004). Estimator must understand that he plays an important role in the whole process of budget control. During the design phase the estimator must coordinate with the design team. The role of the estimator does not end in producing an estimate. It is essential the estimator to be involved from the early stages in the design process because things can be changed without great difficulty. The estimator must observe design decisions that influence cost and inform the design team, at the earliest achievable time, of the impact of design decisions. The estimator must make effort to understand the design aim in aim to predict cost implications. He must be able to offer the best potential construction information to the design team (Sundaram, 2008). Sundaram 2008 also state that estimator should convey to the design team, that in addition to the design factors, final cost is governed by other variables such escalation, union and non-union wages, and the nature of construction (Sundaram, 2008). A simplistic view of the role of the architects is that they create architectures, and their responsibilities encompass all that is involved in doing so. This would include articulating the architectural vision, conceptualizing and experimenting with alternative architectural approaches, creating models and component and interface specification documents, and validating the architecture against requirements and assumptions. However, any experienced architect knows that the role involves not just these technical activities, but others that are more political and strategic in nature on the one hand, and more like those of a consultant, on the other (Bredemeyer Malan, 2006). The architect, during the schematic stage, is bound by three constraints quality, cost and size requirements (Figure 2). The architect is responsible to assist the owner in choosing the priorities and also making the correct trade-offs. For example, if cost is the primary concern for the owner must try to contain costs and make the owner to realize the amount of size requirements and quality he will obtain to suit the budget. Furthermore, architect must also assist the owner to determine his second and third priorities (Sundaram, 2008). During the design stage architect can make adjustments to the materials, the quality or architectural effect and size requirements. Value engineering sessions, including a multidiscipline team, will make sure that owners functions are offered in the most cost-effective approach without reducing quality. At this stage, before going on to the construction stage, the architect and the owner must be sure of the cost. Architect must realize that except reflecting the design also determines the cost (Sherwin, D. 2009). A review of the design, specifications and contract documents before the bidding stage will have as a result competitive bids and fewer changes later on (Sundaram, 2008). The owner is a component of the design team and his decisions can influence the final bid value. The owner, before confirming the bid package, must think about the following considerations. According to Sundaram (2008) is better the bid package to be simple without confusing documents. Unreasonable requirements must be avoided and is wise to follow proven type of contracts. In order not to limit competition, the unnecessary use bidding limitations and the persistence on nominated suppliers and subcontractors, must be avoided. The risk considerations and the adequacy of contingency must be checked. For example, unit price items should be better for items of work which are difficult to quantify. The risk to contractor is removed and the owner has to pay for the work actually executed (Sundaram, 2008). An essential aspect of a successful project is the relationship with stakeholders. Freeman defined stakeholders as all those who can influence the objectives of the firm, or are influenced by the fir, in attaining their own objectives. The set of actors identified is extensive, and includes consumers and suppliers, employees, shareholders, environmentalist groups, trade unions, local communities and governmental bodies (Keijzers, 2005). Therefore, dealing with stakeholders is an issue of choosing the stakeholders that really matter. Mitchell et al. state that for this selection process there are three criteria. The first criterion is the power a stakeholder has over the company (Mitchell et al, 1997). Power focuses on the question of how much the company needs the resources provided by that stakeholder only (Keijzers, 2005). The second criterion is legitimacy. This criterion concerns legitimate claims of a stakeholder on the firm. (Mitchell et al, 1997). For example, governmental bod ies are essential in this respect, because they have the legitimacy to build up rules for companies (Keijzers, 2005). The last criterion is urgency. The claims of stakeholders can differ with respect to the urgency of a response of the firm. (Keijzers, 2005). Rowley states that stakeholders might have connections, and that company works in a network of stakeholders (Rowley, 1997). This implies that a stakeholder may not be crucial given the variables of legitimacy, power or urgency, but it still should be selected because it influences other stakeholders that are important to the firm. An example of this would be the local community of a crucial supplier of the firm. (Keijzers, 2005).

Fredrick Douglass Essay example -- Biography Biographies Bio

Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist who altered America's views of slavery through his writings and actions. Frederick's life as a slave had the greatest impact on his writings. Through his experience as a slave, he developed emotion and experience for him to become a successful abolitionist writer. He experienced harsh treatment and his hate for slavery and desire to be free caused him to write Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. In his Narrative, he wrote the story of his miserable life as a slave and his fight to be free. His motivation behind the character (himself) was to make it through another day so that maybe one day he might be free. By speaking out, fighting as an abolitionist and finally becoming an author, Douglass's transformation from a slave into a man. In a preface of Douglass' autobiography, William Lloyd Garrison writes, "I am confident that it is essentially true in all its statements; that nothing has been set down in malice, nothing exaggerated, nothing drawn from the imagination; that it comes short of the reality, rather than overstates a single fact in regard to SLAVERY AS IT IS."(Garrison, 34). The significance of this statement validates and promises that Douglass' words are nothing but the truth. This made the narrative more marketable to the white audience and people were listening. Douglass realized that he did not need assurance from white people to be respected. That's why he addressed his master for all the wrong things done to him. Slaves are looked as not human. Douglass completes his journey from slave to man when he creates his own identity. He speaks out, fighting as an abolitionist and finally becoming an author. Douglass tells his story not simply as a search for fr... ...e torture and pain of slavery, he had an excellent reason to fight for the abolitionist movement. He became successful in his fight against slavery. His works documented the rise of a slave to a free man, to a respected speaker, to a famous writer and politician. In his narrative, Douglass simplifies his experience to that of other slaves showing the cruelty, psychological and physical struggle of slaves. Douglass went through several life changes, from being a slave to having freedom. He went from the south to the north, from a young man to a well known and respected speaker. This man helped America come to terms with slavery which was an important factor in the abolitionist movement. Works Cited Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself (New York, N.Y.: W.W. Norton and Company, 1997).

Centura Health Overview

Centura Health is considered Colorado's largest healthcare organization, inclusive of a 12-hospital system. The company's mission includes celebrating the value inherent in each individuals life and working collaboratively to â€Å"lift the burdens of others† by offering comprehensive and loving care to all customers and patients served by Centura (Centura, 2005). The mission statement of the organization is to â€Å"extend the healing ministry of Christ my caring for those who are ill and nurturing the health of people in our communities† (Centura, 2005). The vision includes fulfilling the organizations covenant that guarantees excellence and integrity of service, creating partnerships with community members and patients for life (Centura, 2005). The organization has identified multiple core values which include: integrity, stewardship, spirituality, imagination, respect, excellence and compassion† (Centura, 2005). Current Centura operates as a non-profit agency and structures key decision making using what they refer to as a â€Å"Values Impact Analysis† (Centura, 2005). This tool helps organizational representatives weight the costs to benefits of selected decisions as applied to the organizations core values. The process adopted by the organization is considered â€Å"dynamic and rigorous† with the intent of enabling â€Å"conscientious decisions respectful of stakeholders needs† but also in line with the values and needs of patients (Centura, 2005). The organizational model includes a hierarchical system with the following: President/CEO, Executive Vice President and COO, Sr. Vice President, CFO, Chief Medical Officer and supporting management staff (Centura, 2005). Key to the governance model includes collaboration with other medical providers and health agencies throughout the state of Colorado. The decision making model adopted by Centura involves use of the Values Impact Analysis process that helps key management staff make decisions that are not only fiscally sound but also reflect the organizations core values and perspectives of patients that may be impacted by decisions. The organization makes use of an on site Mission and Ministry whose role includes providing â€Å"reflections, a prayer chain† and various other resources for employees and associates of the organization (Centura, 2005). In addition the organization utilizes a SHARE program that resembles a rewards and recognition program to highlight outstanding achievements among employees, customers and co-workers (Centura, 2005). Centura has also adopted a collaborative environment where communication is promoted through a â€Å"Mastery Development Plan† (Centura, 2005). This plan provides team members within the organization a method of facilitating personal and professional development and communication by providing training for technical and support staff and providing communications training to all staff to encourage greater collaboration and community connections among employees (Centura, 2005). Centura has also adopted quality improvement measures focusing on patient populations, physician and clinician teams to help promote â€Å"excellence in care† (Centura, 2005). The organization to this effect has created what they refer to as a â€Å"Quality, Safety and Outcomes Management department† whose sole role includes supporting a solid communications infrastructure and commitment to quality improvement (Centura, 2005). Centura's approach to quality involves defining ‘value directed' services and providing value directed management to customers both internal and external. This is a solid approach to instilling quality within the organization. Arogyaswamy & Simmons (1993) point to the important of using value-directed management approaches to ensure the best possible service to customers. Further the authors suggest that organizations must approach total quality and empowerment of staff through articulated measures to achieve â€Å"stronger market positions† by establishing â€Å"an unquenchable thirst for improvement† (Arogyaswamy & Simmons, 3). Ways to do this include through integration and shared vision (Lambert, Hylander & Sandoval, 2003). Barusch, Merkman & Maramaldi (2005) note that within the health care organization standardized measures are necessary to ensure control and power are properly delegated and that quality is ensured in all patient interactions and outcomes. Care benchmarks, satisfaction tools and quality assessors currently adopted by Centura fall in line with recent studies suggesting that routine attention to performance measurement via various standardized methods help improve organizational efficiency and continuous improvement (Holzer & Julnes, 2001). Further risk management is best assessed by gathering quality data from standardized reporting systems that provide detailed summaries of the industry, characteristics of service and help regulate distribution of services and procedures within the healthcare organization (Blankmeyer, Knox & Stutzman, 2001). Centura uses multiple benchmarks to currently reap information regarding quality and service protocols, including the Values Impact Analysis and the Master Development Plan. The values impact survey acts as a standardized reporting system providing mangers and staff with detailed cues regarding employee and organizational performance. The Master Development Plan serves as a tool that can enhance performance management and train various staff members including nursing staff members to achieve their highest potential within the organization. Key issues a nursing staff coordinator may address within this organizational context is whether incumbents are consistently reporting on their progress and achievements using the values impact analysis and master development program. These programs do offer detailed information regarding potential areas of weakness and improvement within the organization. At present the strongest elements of Centura's organizational structure include its commitment to shared knowledge and communication among staff members. Additionally the organization is committed to empowering employees to excel in their job functions and dedicated to continuous training. The organization may benefit from an overhaul of the performance measurement protocols adopted for individual employees. Most organizations fall short of identifying to as great an extent possible the level of staff satisfaction with performance measurement protocols. Turnover within the organization at present is relatively low suggesting that employees are however receiving the feedback they need to excel on the job. At this point in time when problem areas are identified using the quality assessment tools in place management turns to focused committees to resolve issues. The organization would benefit by involving more primary care nurses and other direct staff involved in decision making processes that involve improving quality improvement. Because Centura is a hierarchical organization, most decisions are made from the top down. Recent studies suggest however that continuous quality improvement and risk management efforts are enhanced significantly when organizations adopt a flat approach to knowledge management and quality improvement. This means that employees at all levels of the organization must be empowered to help make decisions and share information regarding continuous improvement measures. One way to adopt this philosophy at Centura may be to establish various committees designed to help solve specific problems within their scope of expertise or knowledge. Overall Centura Health provides a superb foundation for providing quality care and direction for staff and the patients and community it serves. The organization is committed to quality improvements, knowledge sharing and partnerships within the community to reduce any risk associated with delivering care and to improve its knowledge sharing ability within the community. At present the organization has adopted various standardized instruments, which consistently provide accurate measurements of quality benchmarks within the organization. The top down management approach may be the sole factor limiting consistent knowledge sharing and hence risk management reduction or continuous improvement within the organization.

Sydney Sheldon’s Master of the Game: Reaction

Master of the game is a kind of story that will make you see life from the other side. Sheldon is really is the best story teller. Showing the reader a sequence of event from the very root of the story. It really amaze me how he arrange the story. How you see or realize the transition of the story. We Just then look back and realize that wow, many things already happened but then you're not yet even at the center part of the book or you're not half way there.But theirs a lot to take in already. Sheldon will do that to you, or at least that's what I felt. The story then moves one hundred years back to Jamie McGregor. He leaves his home in Scotland for Klipdrift, South Africa in 1883 under the assumption that many get wealthy there by mining diamonds. He nearly dies making it there due to the only safe means there being fully booked, and Jamie nearly dies by taking the mail carrier which does not stop moving for two days.Making it there, he is encouraged by the town's bartender Smit to see the wealthy Dutch storekeeper, Salomon Van Der Merwe, for assistance in mining. Besides meeting Van Der Merwe, he meets Banda, Van Der Merwe's black servant, and Margaret, Van Der Merwe's daughter, who encourages him to get assistance. However, after nearly risking his life to find diamonds, he finds out that he has been defrauded and that the Afrikaans-written contract states that Jamie is merely a laborer for Van Der Merwe looking for a diamond mine and Van Der Merwe now owns the mine on his own.When Jamie attempts to fght back, it is revealed that Smit and Van Der Merwe are working together and they make Banda leave Jamie in the desert to die. Banda later revives and saves Jamie from being eaten by vultures, saying he believes Jamie will help Banda find vengeance for Banda's sister who died at the age of eleven after being aped and then eventually giving birth to Van Der Merwe's child. They plan an extremely risky diamond heist in the Namib Desert and make it out alive. Band a only takes enough for him to buy a farm and a wife while Jamie keeps the rest.Jamie, now rugged and unrecognizable, returns to Klipdrift after a year of being taken into the desert, where no one faintly remembers him and he goes under the assumed name of Ian Travis. By depositing his diamonds into a bank, the whole town recognizes Ian Travis as a wealthy businessman. Van Der Merwe takes an interest to Jamie/lan's plan o invest in a diamond mine, hoping to capitalize on it. With help from a reformed Smit, Jamie eventually makes Margaret fall for him and makes love to her. When they learn that Margaret is pregnant, Jamie tells Van Der Merwe the truth, and refuses to marry his daughter.